Sydney Sweeney’s next role is a trailblazing gay boxer

Sydney Sweeney‘s next role has her stepping into the boxing ring.

Sweeney is making a name for herself as an acting chameleon, taking dramas, horror, action, and rom coms. Now, she’s adding a biopic to her resume. And this one is going to test out her fighting skills.

The Euphoria actress will portray boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming film. Directed by Australian filmmaker David Michôd (known for Timothée Chalamet-led The King and the film & TV adaptation of Animal Kingdom), Martin’s biopic will chronicle her upbringing within a conservative family in West Virginia and her rise to becoming one of the most famous female boxers of the ’90s. Martin turned to boxing in effort to express herself and ended up changing the game with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, becoming the first woman to sign with boxing promoter Don King and the only female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee’s story will now hit the big screen, thanks to Michôd, Sweeney, and writer Mirrah Foulkes. Sweeney is no stranger to physical roles, given her turn in Madame Web, but she’s also no stranger to boxing either.

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“I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old,” Sweeney said for Deadline. “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”

The film will also highlight some of the tumultuous elements of the welterweight champion’s life, including toxic relationships, inner demons, and an attempt on her life that she miraculously survived.

“Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse,” Sweeney added. “I’m passionate about the fighting world, Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful, and emotional.”

Filming for the untitled Christy Martin biopic starts this Fall.

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